When Whittier College announced the return of its football program after a three-year hiatus, the excitement was palpable. But when alumni found out that Cory White MA ’06 would lead the charge, it became something more: personal.
White brings 20 years of experience across Divisions I, II, and III, and a clear mission for Whittier. Tasked with relaunching one of the College’s most historic athletics programs, he sat down with The Rock to discuss what this moment means, where he’s headed, and how Poet football is being built better, from the ground up. Training is underway this academic year for 35 students, and the players will suit up for competitive games in the fall of 2026.
Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
What’s your vision for the kind of player who will wear the Poet jersey in 2026? How do you spot that talent?
They have to understand that our school is very small and it’s a personal educational environment. We want someone who will embrace the fact that it is small and who will be able to interact accordingly. We want someone who is looking for that more individualized personal education. We’re explaining what Whittier is and why it’s special.
What’s your approach to balancing academic expectations with athletic demands for your players?
Athletics and academics are intertwined. The players start each weekday in study hall, Monday through Friday, to get themselves ready for the academic rigors that we have here. Not a lot of them have been challenged the same way they’ll be challenged here academically, so trying to help them understand what it takes is important, because if you’re not eligible, you don’t do us any good as a football player. After study hall, they are in classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then workouts until about 5:30 p.m.
Each week we have a different speaker coming in to address the team on different topics. Stan Sanders ’63, a former wide receiver and Whittier’s first Rhodes scholar, will come and talk about his experiences. Representatives from the different societies will talk about their organization and what they can offer student athletes. Dean of Students Xenia Markowitt will outline expectations for players on campus. We’re being very deliberate and intentional with the programming to keep them engaged throughout the year.
You’ve coached across multiple divisions. What about Division III football speaks to you the most?
What I really enjoy about the DIII experience is that they are here to be true student-athletes. After working at the Football Bowl Subdivision level, there’s so much focus on only being a football player, trying to get to the NFL. At the DIII level, they’re allowed to be the student they want to be and have the football experience at the same time. They’re not afraid to join a society, get involved with a club, or maybe study abroad and still be an athlete. Being fully committed during and out of games is what separates you from your competitors.
You’ve worn a lot of hats — coach, coordinator, recruiter, administrator. Which of those past roles is most informing your leadership now?
I’ve changed my philosophy a lot on recruiting, and it really comes down to finding the recruit that fits your school. Football is about retaining your students and developing them over the years so they can be the best versions of themselves. Learning the system, offense or defense, takes time. So if you’re not upfront with individuals about what this experience is going to be when they get here, you’ve wasted your time. You’ve got to find the right people.
If we walked into a practice run by Coach Cory White, what would stand out immediately?
We will primarily be in the weight room and running in the stadium this fall, so you’ll see guys being pushed past what is comfortable for them, learning to overcome mental hurdles, face adversity, and challenge themselves.
One of the biggest things we can do this semester is create mental toughness, a mental advantage. We’re going to be a young team, and we’re going to go against teams that have juniors and seniors. Getting a group of players willing to line up and fight is really going to help us even the playing field.
What kind of culture are you looking to establish on the field and in the locker room?
For this first group that comes in, we’re talking a lot about their actions, the way they approach their day, how they go to class, and the impact they have in the weight room to create the foundation of who we’re going to be moving forward. We want a culture of well-rounded individuals who are committed to a great college experience, whether it’s football, academics, or social groups.
Imagine it’s fall 2026 and the Poets take the field for their first game back. What do you want that moment to say about everything you’ve built?
I’m hoping that it’s a true celebration of the whole Whittier College community. There are a lot of people who worked hard to bring back the football program, a lot of alumni who not only were vocal but put their money where their mouth is. I’m really hoping that the first game, along with our spring showcase, is a celebration of what they were able to raise as a community. It will get people back to having the Saturdays here on campus, tailgating in the parking lot, hanging out with friends and alumni in the stands. I’m looking forward to it.
Team Snapshot
Cory White and his team have exceeded their recruitment goals for the fall training period. These recruits represent a diverse and talented group from across the region and beyond.
Southern California Counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, San Bernardino, and San Diego
Whittier Area High Schools: Pioneer, La Serna, El Rancho, Whittier High School, and St. Paul
States Represented: California, Hawaii, and Washington
Multisport Athletes: Seven recruits will also compete in other sports: five in track and field, one in lacrosse, and one in baseball.
Coaching Staff Expansion
Mark Odin joins Whittier College as associate head coach and defensive coordinator. He brings a wealth of SCIAC experience from his time at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and coaching at his alma mater, the University of La Verne. Most recently, he led the coaching staff at Damien High School in La Verne.
Lucas Govan comes to Whittier from DI University of San Diego, where he coached tight ends, to be the new offensive coordinator. He also has coaching experience at DII Humboldt State and previously served on the Whittier College staff.